Body
Unit Policy
Title
Adams School of Dentistry: Policy on Faculty Calibration for Instruction and Assessment
I. Introduction
A. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure safe and quality patient care and consistency in instruction and assessment across all instructional faculty at all sites where required educational activities occur. Calibration is essential to align faculty members on content, technique, and assessment standards and to ensure equitable and high-quality educational experiences for learners at the Adams School of Dentistry.
B. Scope
This policy applies to all full-time and part-time faculty and residents Adams School of Dentistry involved in predoctoral dental education.
II. Objectives of Calibration
Consistency: To ensure uniform application of instruction and assessment standards and criteria among all faculty members and at all sites.
Fairness: To ensure learners are evaluated impartially and equitably, with consistent grading rubrics for assessments.
Quality Improvement: To identify areas for improvement of instruction and assessment methods and to foster best practices.
Transparency: To provide clarity in expectations for students and ensure alignment with program learning outcomes.
III. Calibration Process
Calibration Sessions: Discipline-specific faculty calibration sessions will be conducted at least annually and focused on instruction and assessments. These may include and are not limited to facilitator-led presentations on assessment tools, grading rubrics, and key criteria, and case study discussions to align grading decisions and ensure consensus on the consistent application of assessment criteria. Calibration modules will also occur annually, with both requiring post-calibration evaluation of the faculty. Sessions and modules are mandatory for all faculty involved in student assessment within the School.
The Adams School of Dentistry will offer faculty development opportunities designed to address areas where instruction and calibration issues are identified. This could include targeted workshops on curriculum-related topics. Faculty are expected to engage in the faculty development series.
New faculty members will undergo an initial calibration training session during their first semester as determined by the discipline, familiarizing them with the school’s assessment tools, grading rubrics, and faculty expectations.
Periodic Assessment Data Review: A comprehensive review of student performance data will be conducted periodically to evaluate the effectiveness and alignment of the assessment methods with the school’s learning objectives. This review will help identify any areas where adjustments to instruction, assessment tools, or practices are necessary.
IV. Accountability and Compliance
Attendance Tracking: All faculty members are required to attend annual discipline calibration sessions. Faculty unable to attend must complete the activity asynchronously or an alternative calibration training. Failure to participate may lead to discussions about faculty performance, including at the faculty’s annual review and could result in temporary suspension of learner assessments and/or additional training requirements.
Ongoing Improvement: Faculty feedback from calibration sessions, as well as annual data collected, will be incorporated into the curriculum review process to continuously improve assessment practices at the Adams School of Dentistry.
V. Conclusion
Regular calibration of faculty assessments ensures that instruction and evaluation of students, whether didactic or clinical, are conducted consistently, impartially, and according to clearly defined criteria. By adhering to this policy, faculty will maintain high standards of academic integrity and fairness, foster effective teaching and learning, and support student success in the Adams School of Dentistry. The policy also reinforces the School’s commitment to continuous improvement and quality assurance in all aspects of dental education.
Approved by the ASOD Department Chairs, April 2025.